How Many Laps In F1 Las Vegas?

The 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will feature 50 laps around the 6.2-kilometer Las Vegas Strip circuit. This exciting race covers a total distance of 309.958 kilometers, offering fans a thrilling night of high-speed action on the streets of Sin City.

In 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix marked Formula 1’s return to the city after a 41-year absence. Drivers tackled the all-new circuit for the first time, racing past iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian. The track layout promises fast-paced racing with average speeds comparable to Monza, F1’s renowned “Temple of Speed.”

This event combines the glamour of Las Vegas with the pinnacle of motorsport. Fans can expect a unique atmosphere as cars race under the neon lights of the Strip on Saturday night. With its blend of high-performance racing and entertainment, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has quickly become a standout event on the F1 calendar.

Now get ready to hit the jackpot of F1 knowledge with our in-depth analysis of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, provided by PlainEnglish.io…

Circuit Name and Location

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is the official name of Formula 1’s newest track. This 6.2-kilometer street circuit weaves through the dazzling cityscape of Las Vegas, Nevada. It passes by some of the most famous casinos and hotels on the Strip.

Key landmarks along the circuit include Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian. These iconic resorts form a spectacular backdrop for the high-speed racing action. The track layout incorporates parts of Las Vegas Boulevard, showcasing the city’s vibrant energy.

With 17 turns and long straights, the circuit offers fast-paced excitement as drivers reach speeds over 340 km/h (210 mph) on the main straight. The mix of tight corners and flat-out sections creates opportunities for overtaking and close racing.

This temporary street circuit transforms the heart of Las Vegas into a world-class racing venue. It combines the glamour of Sin City with the thrill of Formula 1, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle under the bright lights of the Strip.

Circuit Length

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit spans 6.201 km (3.853 mi). This length places it among the longer tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. For comparison, the Circuit de Monaco is 3.337 km, while Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium measures 7.004 km.

The Las Vegas track features 17 corners and includes a 1.9 km straight along the famous Strip. This long straight allows drivers to reach top speeds exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph).

Despite being a street circuit, the Las Vegas track’s layout promotes high average speeds. Its combination of long straights and medium-speed corners contributes to lap times around 1 minute and 30 seconds, based on simulations and practice data.

F1 cars complete 50 laps of the circuit during the Grand Prix, covering a total race distance of 310.05 km (192.6 mi). This distance aligns with FIA regulations, which specify a minimum race distance of 305 km.

Number of Corners

The Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit boasts 17 corners. This layout presents drivers with a diverse range of challenges as they navigate the street circuit.

The track features a mix of slow, medium, and high-speed turns. Some corners require heavy braking and precise turn-in points, while others allow for more flowing lines.

Turn 1 is a critical point on the circuit. As the first corner after the start/finish straight, it often sees intense action during the opening lap and throughout the race.

The circuit’s design incorporates several long straights interspersed with technical sections. This configuration creates opportunities for overtaking, particularly in the DRS zones.

Drivers face a variety of corner types, from tight hairpins to sweeping bends. Each turn demands specific techniques and approaches to maximize speed and maintain optimal racing lines.

Circuit Design

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is a 3.853-mile (6.201 km) street track designed by Carsten Tilke, and runs counterclockwise through the heart of Las Vegas.

The circuit incorporates both permanent and temporary sections. The start-finish line and pit complex are located on a former parking lot, now owned by Formula One. From there, drivers navigate a hairpin first turn before transitioning onto city streets.

A notable feature is the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) straight along Las Vegas Boulevard. This high-speed section passes famous hotels and casinos, allowing drivers to reach speeds over 215 mph (346 km/h).

The track layout includes several technical sections:

• A sweeping left turn around the Sphere arena
• A twisty left-right complex
• Tight corners onto Harmon Avenue

A race in such a high-profile and busy location serves up some logistical challenges, as Carsten Tilke’s father Hermann explained…

“Street circuits are always tricky. There are many things to consider.

“First of all, it is important for people to get to their houses, so you can’t just close a part of the city.

“You need a bridge for cars to the inner part of the track, because of course there could be an emergency.

“If someone needs an ambulance, they should be able to get there without stopping the race.”

Carsten added “With Las Vegas Boulevard, we have one of the liveliest streets in the world. We need to get in the way of the casinos, restaurants and shops as little as possible.

“With the build-up, this requires some organisation. This all has to go smoothly. That is the biggest challenge there. We have less time than usual, so everything has to be right at once.

“People should not feel compromised by the race. It has to be an addition, an extra big show.

“The key is to make sure everything goes smoothly and that later nobody complains ‘oh, I didn’t get through because everything was closed [off]’. It’s a huge challenge.”